Abzu Reviews
ABZÛ simply has to be seen to be believed, as it's a real achievement for the video game medium.
As spectacular as Abzu's ocean is, from the hundreds of species of marine life to the impressive seascapes, it ultimately feels a bit shallow.
If you aren't entranced by mechanically shallow games like Journey, don't bother. But if you find exploration titles even marginally interesting, Abzu is an absolute must-play – it's the most majestic one yet.
Abzu is quite simply a breath-taking piece of interactive art, that feels vivid and more alive than you’d imagine a video game was capable of being.
ABZÛ is a visually stunning arthouse game with a fantastic score and some awe-inspiring, powerful moments, but it's one that can't match the achievements of its nearest relative, Journey. The gameplay's never as compelling as the visuals, and while its undersea kingdom is a fascinating place to visit, the story doesn't quite have the same heart. Stick it on a big screen, put on some headphones and you'll be blown away, but will you keep coming back? I'm not so sure.
Abzu is well beautiful and well put-together, but cannot escape its self-inflicted sense of déjà vu. Matt Nava and Giant Squid Studios have played it safe. Too safe. There is an obvious artistry to Abzu however, that we can only hope is put to better use in whatever comes next.
Abzu is one of those pleasantly surprising titles that feels likes it's on the cusp of being a great game with just a bit more fleshing out. Its deep, undersea world is absolutely gorgeous and its metaphysical take on "show-don't-tell" storytelling evokes thoughts of the excellent game INSIDE. Folks who prefer traditional gaming mechanics and storytelling might consider the overall gameplay to be barebones and lacking purpose. If you're a fan of non-traditional gaming that has a bit of an indie feel to it, however, you'll want to dive into Abzu.
Now ported on the Switch, Abz' is still a superb contemplative and meditative game that any fan of Journey should play.
Review in French | Read full review
ABZÛ fits into the type of games that want to offer an unorthodox experience. It's possible to do wonders within that realm but unfortunately, ABZÛ falls behind expectations. Not that its audiovisual environment does not try, if the game's visual world looks stunning, ABZÛ's soundtrack is simply out of this world, but the almost entire lack of a compelling and motivating gameplay experience seriously impairs ABZÛ's ability to deliver something memorable.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
ABZU is at home on Nintendo's Switch. The simplistic, but vibrant visuals shine on the Switch's screen, and the system doesn't falter in its presentation or performance. There's perhaps a little more aliasing than you'd find on its bigger console and computer counterparts, but the three-hour long adventure has been faithfully ported.
A pinnacle of aesthetic design and the best use of the Unreal Engine to date, ABZÛ is an unmissable underwater romp.
ABZÛ is nothing short of a work of art. Diving through its gorgeous cel-shaded ocean with the title's sweeping orchestra in the background enraptured me from the first moment of the game. This is an experience that shouldn't be missed.
Between the rich visuals, orchestral soundtrack and chill playing experience, you'll find something to like.
Abzû owes too much of a debt to what has come before it, and annoyances with camera and graphical issues remove much of the satisfaction from what was meant to be, on paper at least, a relaxing voyage into a mysterious sunken world.
Scouring Abzu's marine paradise opens an argument for emotive communication and softened storytelling. Too often, however, Abzu is less a defense of its beliefs and more a negotiation out of a cornered medium.
This visually stunning game is a great concept that never really gets to the point the developers may have intended. With an overly abstract story, uncomfortable controls, and not much to do but look at things, there isn't much left for players beyond the casual type.
I don't even know if I'd necessarily recommend ABZÛ even if I did enjoy it.
ABZÛ is exactly what it appears to be – it's a linear game that encourages players to dive into its deep waters and interact with nature.
It's your last impression of the game and it sticks with you, reflecting back on what you've seen. It's the case, though, that the vast majority of Abzû is so beautiful, so well put together, that the fact the ending is a little disappointing doesn't diminish my view of it as whole. When I think back on the game it's not the final image I remember but the turquoise shallows, the pattern of the sun falling on the sand, the great vaulted ceilings of blue water.